Heart Vascular

Losing Ability To Walk Chronic Pain Undiagnosed

You may not have all of the symptoms written below: but do check your symptoms out and go see your Doctor (it may save your life).

This was me for over 10 years until the 5th July 2017. It was not that I hadn’t tried different doctors I had, and I had x rays and ultra sounds three times over that period.

Hi my name is Michelle and this is my personal story: I hope by sharing this story that it may help someone else find answers as to why they are losing their mobility and suffering pain when walking (Claudication).

I thought I had symptoms of Arthritis in the Hip

Initially I suffered increasing pain when walking, in my right hip joint.This eased when at rest. My late mother had two hip replacements. I thought I had to have inherited Arthritis in the hip and made a appointment to visit a GP. I Asked for my first lot of xrays on both hips and was then referred to a Orthopedic Specialist.

Results No Arthritis but the Orthopedic Surgeon Specialist felt I had referred pain from my lower back . I felt this was probably right and took prescribed anti-inflammatory and natural pain relievers for back pain. I had Physiotherapy and Chiropractic treatments. The years move along and nothing improves this pain.

Losing ability to walk chronic pain undiagnosed

My symptoms are worsening as the years pass by, at times I can barely walk down my own hallway. Chronic disabling pain, depression, anxiety and freezing cold feet for which I purchased Foot warmers, because No socks would ever keep my feet warm

While off work with a work injury some years later I ask again for more, xrays and a ultra sound. Though I show some degeneration now I am offered no explanation as to why I limp along. I am prescribed Fentanyl Pain Patches, the biggest mistake for me, well for anyone, avoid like the plague.

I Feel My life Is Hopeless

My Life Is Hopeless

I now rarely go out why would I, the chronic pain when my hips grind like a rusted wheel , have made my life a misery. I am virtually a recluse. Do I try one more time, another doctor , more xrays and scans, “nothing to lose” my daughter tells me.

Outcome same no opinion given really and no suggestions as to why. Rather than being defeated this time, two weeks later I seek another doctor to ask for an MRI, she read my report!.

Blockage Abdominal Aorta

Seriously this lovely doctor reads that last x ray and ultra sound report thoroughly, yes the ones I have just told you about from only 2 weeks ago. The radiologist had reported seeing a blockage in the Aorta in my stomach just above my navel. Not only is my doctor shocked it was missed! I am thinking what the hell is this.

Peripheral Artery Disease

I had pad symptoms Peripheral Artery Disease, also called PVD Peripheral Vascular Disease. However I did not have all the usual stated symptoms.

Peripheral Artery Disease Symptoms

Please be aware that you may not have all of the Peripheral Artery Disease Symptoms: I didn’t. I suffered the first two symptoms: None of the others apart from Hair loss on my legs, that I had put down to Ageing.

Severe pain lower back or hip area which eases when sitting down or resting

Losing the ability to walk far- your mobility

Tired and aching legs

Numbness in feet or legs

Sores on your feet or toes that doesn’t heal

Bluish hue or very pale skin on legs and feet

Loss of hair on your legs

And I guess this is why no doctor ever gave this a thought, I still get frustrated about this lack of diagnosis.

As you do I Googled and of all the sites I found this one by the Mayo Clinic the most helpful. They list everything you need to know which you can compare. For me symptoms that I did not have wereLeg pain or weakness, sores on toes or feet and there was no color change in my feet or legs. Seriously in thatregard I was extremely lucky because I could have lost my toes and or my feet.

What is Peripheral Artery Disease

Basically a blockage or narrowing of the Coronary Arteries with Cholesterol and fatty substances, along the inside walls. This used to be called hardening of the Arteries and is now called Atherosclerosis click here. My chronic pain felt across my hip and backside was Claudication click here

This was the start of quite a medical journey for me, first my Vascular Surgeon and onto a complete medical workout. This included blood tests, heart and lung tests. A Dopler Ultra Sound scan to check the blood flow through arteries and veins.

Personal blog Peripheral Artery Disease

I had hardly any blood flowing into my legs and down to my toes

I neededAortic Bifemoral Bypass Surgery what a shock after all these years. My Surgeon guaranteed I would be able to walk again so my losing ability to walk chronic pain undiagnosed was on it’s way to being fixed.

To say I was Gobsmacked would be an understatement, rather I was petrified

Vascular Disease causes night cramps

That’s not to say that you have a Vascular Disease (Peripheral Artery Disease) there are other causes of cramping in the legs and feet.

Why do I make this statement and what then is Vascular Disease

Read Below on what products I found that relieved these awful leg ,feet and even hand cramps.

.Hi my name is Michelle, and I speak from my own personal experience having suffered unknowingly for more than 10 years (Peripheral Artery Disease) A Vascular Disease.You can read my story here.

What is Vascular disease,

Think of your heart as a pump and your arteries and veins ( The circulatory or Vascular System as the tubes) that run throughout your body carrying the blood to keep your body healthy.

When any one of these tubes (arteries or veins becomes blocked) this is when the health problems can start.Thus causing CAD Coronary Artery Disease your heart or as in my case PAD Peripheral Artery Disease.That is I had little blood flow to my legs and feet.

Something else I want to say before I continue. I feel most people think of Vascular Disease as just associated to your heart. It seems that until someone is diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease pad that they had never heard of it.

Vascular Disease causes night cramps

So for me Vascular Disease caused night cramps: No one is going to convince me any different. Possibly if you are reading this I take a guess that you are suffering those horrendous Night Cramps in your legs,feet,and toes too. And sometimes cramps in the hands.

Night Cramps Legs Feet

Back to those cramps or whats that funny name Horse Cramps no Charley Horse leg Cramps.

You know the pattern, you go to bed a lovely warm bed and you relax or start reading a good book. You may even have gone to sleep. Slowly there’s a kind of mild tightening.

Now mine always started in my big toe, this feeling that creeps,twinges,spasms right over the top of your foot and if you’re real unlucky right up your calf muscle.

Vascular Disease Causes Night Cramps

I can’t remember when my nocturnal cramps started I do remember that over a period of years. they became an every night event. As you do I visited many websites for causes, I often saw these words (can be associated to a medical condition.) Well that wasn’t my problem! Or was it.

I could not exercise due to chronic pain and decreasing mobility, and lack of exercise can cause night cramps.

Though I do know I didn’t drink enough water and still don’t! you do really need to drink a good amount of water approximately upto 2 litres per day or 8-8 ounce glasses a day. Though having said water you can drink other fluids.

Help Ease Night Cramps

Most often advised is to try and stretch out the cramp which sounds an easy answer, however not being so young and supple one can’t always drop to the floor for these muscle stretches. Not always achievable with agonizing cramp of the calf muscle of the leg. I could ease sometimes a foot cramp by pulling my toes back.

There are many suggested natural cures for leg cramps at night and three products helped me.

Liquid MagnesiumI rubbed madly and as best I could massaged from toes and up my leg.

A Magnesium Powder Supplement this a powerful supplement for the muscles helps ease night cramps and is to aid relaxation, in fact I found I relaxed more in general and slept better.

Tonic Water which contains Quinine. I found this extremely effective I took a glass to bed, sipped about a 1/4 cup when I felt a cramp coming on. It worked very quickly for me.

What is severe Claudication Pain Legs Buttocks

Claudication is pain which can be feltin the muscles. Predominantly in the lower half of your body your legs,hips, buttocks and thighs. And sometimes your arms.

Mostly when walking and exercising

It may be only mild pain but in my case it was severe,chronic and disabling pain.. that went undiagnosed for 10+ years.

Claudication pain will cause limping which is where the word Claudication came from the Latin word Claudicare meaning to limp.

It is TRUE that Claudication is NOT just an older persons ailment. .

TRUE 50% of smokers will get claudication and atherosclerosis causing Peripheral Artery Disease. This happened to me!

Most likely your pain will be at its worst when walking and or exercising

I suffered undiagnosed for 10+ years I had no idea that my pain was even called claudication. Neither did the Doctors I visited!

If you complain to your Doctor about consistent pain when walking, in your hips,thighs and buttocks. Chances are they are not going to look for a blockage in your Aortaor other Arteries for that matter.

I recently wrote a post about my personal journey with claudicationread here>>>

Many websites when you look up “what is claudication” inform you that claudication is pain and or cramping that affects your lower legs.. I’m here to tell you from my own personal experience it is not just your lower legs!

Agonising pain was in my right buttock. Buttock Claudication Symptoms. I used to say my hip but that is not totally correct. Basically the pain I felt was just below my bum.

Causes Intermittent Claudication

What Causes Blockage in Legs… Claudication

Intermittent Claudication is… pain so called because the pain is spasmodic.That is the pain is not continuous.

Intermittent Claudication is… pain ccaused by a build up and blockage of fatty substances (plaques) lining the inside of your Arteries. This condition is called Atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis was known as Hardening of the arteries. This is a sign of a medical condition called Peripheral Artery Disease.

Most likely your pain will be at its worst when walking and or exercising. To ease the claudication pain you have to stop walking and rest. I had to stop and sit down. I found this embarrassing and sometimes stopped walking to pretend that I was looking at something.

Some days as the years went by I could barely walk around my own home I stopped going out.

To ease the claudication pain you have to stop walking and rest.

Buttock Claudication Symptoms

What is severe Claudication Pain Legs Buttocks

I mentioned earlier that my agonising pain was in my right buttock and this is what the difference was for my claudication symptoms.

Where your pain can be felt gives an indication as to which artery may be blocked. And there can be more than one as it was in my case.

One blockage was in my Aorta just above my navel ( Belly Button) also I had a Femoral Artery Blockage in both legs. The Femoral Artery is the large artery in your leg and thigh this delivers the blood supply to your leg.

Causes Intermittent Claudication: can be caused by a blockage in the Arteries

Femoral Artery Blockage

The Femoral Arteryis the large artery in your leg and thigh this delivers the blood supply to your leg,feet and toes.

When the blockage is in your Femoral Artery the pain (Claudication Pain ) can generally be felt in the thigh and also legs and hips.

Pain in your Calf Muscle also comes from a Femoral Artery Blockage and also the Popliteal Artery (behind the knee) depending on where you feel your pain. This Claudication Pain may be felt either in the upper or lower parts of the calf muscle.

This surgery is performed when you have a severe blockage or blockages in your Arteries that stop the blood flow through your legs to your feet.

In some patients with Peripheral Artery Disease PAD/PVD there is only a need for stents to be placed.

For me though one blockage was in the Aorta near my navel and the other in my Right Leg, Femoral Artery (main artery of the leg). And another in the Iliac artery of my left leg.

Peripheral Bypass Graft attachment

Femoral Popliteal Bypass

There are two ways a Peripheral Bypass Graft can be attached, one is using your own veins this is a blood vessel graft. The other is a graft which is the one that I had: is a synthetic or manmade graft the material used is perfectly safe within your body.

These peripheral bypass grafts are sewn above and below the blockage. You now have a brand new and clear access for your blood to travel down your leg or legs. Your previously blocked areas remain as they were.

Femoral Popliteal Bypass Image Enlarged

The Aortic bifemoral bypass graft (femoral popliteal bypass graft) coming from the Aorta and in to the Femoral Arteries of the legs.

Pre Op tests before surgery

You will have several medical tests before your surgery I even had some repeated. Be sure you will be given blood tests before surgery. Your blood gives a very in depth reading showing your general health and whether or not you have any infections.

A test for your heart: Although there are several I had a heart stress test before surgery where you are on a treadmill. Due to my chronic pain, I could not keep walking enough to complete this test for the appropriate length of time. And so had to have a further Angiogram, I had good results.

A Lung Function test, also called a Pulmonary Function Test. This is very important it is a test for your Lungs and breathing . Your Vascular Surgery Specialist must be satisfied that your lungs will cope throughout your surgery.

There should be little if any breathing problems during your surgery. Mine were not good due to COPD or Emphysemia caused from smoking.

Epidural Anesthesia Risks For Me

For my up coming Aorto Bifemoral Bypass Surgery, Epidural Anesthesia was the choice of my Anesthetist due to me having COPD or Emphysema

Yes, like the surgery there are risks and I had read many online, including videos. You should too!

I was very grateful that I had the Epidural anesthetic as it virtually kept me pain free and it remained in place for three days after my operation.

Aortic Bifemoral Bypass Surgery

My incision was from my breast bone to my pubic bone and another incision near my groin. This incision was stapled. During this time I was still in ICU Intensive Care Unit in fact I was there for 3 days.

What happens in ICU after your Aortic Bifemoral Bypass Surgery

You will be attached to monitors keeping track of all your vital signs. Various tubes will supply you with fluid, and medications as needed and you will also have a Catheter removing urine.

I remained totally on fluid for my 3 days in ICU

You will hear various beeping noises, these are nothing to worry about just the machine doing its job. Nurses will be with you constantly checking that everything is as it should be.

Pain for me in honesty I felt none, this was because for my 3 days in recovery I was still receiving the Epidural anaesthesia.

Successful (Peripheral Artery Bypass Surgery)

On the 4th day in hospital I was moved to a private room. I was still unable to eat solids and getting cranky, My nurse phoned my Specialist and he gave permission for a small meal,very tiny, lovely man!

Pain wise the Epidural had been removed before the nurses moved me to my room and I was given other pain medication. Cannot say I was experiencing any chronic pain at least not while I stayed still. Turning to lie on my side was umm difficult and yes painful. I needed help only that first day to go to the bathroom,the nursing staff were great.

Physiotherapy treatment and a walking cane was given and up and down the hospital hallway I walked . Was there much pain ,no not really. Returned home on my 6th day, well I did ask, just wanted to be home in my own bed. Alternate staples were removed from my very swollen stomach and the rest would be removed by a home care nurse a few days later.

3 years ago I started reading up on the types of foot warmers available because I had tried all the basic things. You know extra socks, I used Mens wool work socks over another pair of my everyday socks and nope.Swapped them around, NO Good.

I already had a foot bath which is just wonderful,at the time of use. I wear Ugg Boots most of the year and have even put insoles in them

Best Toe Warmers P.A.D.

So lets cut to the chase I read a blog that suggested Toe Warmers and then searched, I came across a couple of different brands. I purchased Little Hotties Toe Warmers, just a small pack to start I think we are always a little skeptical .

By purchasing the box You save more dollars:I was sold on my first day

Little Hotties Foot Warmers

I called the little Hotties foot warmers here because they do warm your feet, and yes once those toes and soles are warm. Your feet are instantly warm too.

The ingredients are safe because they contain Iron Powder,water,salt and activated charcoal and vermiculite. I have never had a split or leakage simply open and remove the white pouch Never Open the White Pouch. Remove the backing and press the adhesive side onto the top or bottom toe area of your sock.

I have got my Best Toe Warmers and have had them last more than 8 hours.

Do check the expiry date you should have 3-4 years ahead of the year: otherwise they do not heat as well

Best toe warmers for Peripheral Artery Disease

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Myshelle

Posts I share with you are from my own experience with chronic pain and health issues. I recently had a Aortic Bifemoral Bypass due to Peripheral Artery Disease. I write about my mother and the Insidious Disease Alzheimers Dementia. I nursed in aged care. Mobility Aids I use or have observed used. I may make a small amount as an affiliate at no extra cost to you this helps me a little to remain on this website online.
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Medical Disclaimer
This blog is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this blog should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.